Ho-hum.
In the good ole days of the semi-transcontinental 146, it was not uncommon to have to drop into Kalgoorlie for a (fuel) tech stop. Particularly if a 100 series was scheduled and the winter westerlies were strong.
Generally the decision wasn't made until the load ex ASP was finalised, and some times, not until established in the cruise and actual conditions determined.
Pax would be advised when appropriate with an explanation that not enough fuel could be carried, yadda, yadda, yadda. I'd be very surprised if the explanations weren't passed on by non-technical people as "we had to go to Kalgorlie because the plane ran out of fuel".
Just because a layman's explanation gets reworded, doesn't mean there is any cause for concern.